Table of Contents
- 1 Differences between PADI and the new attention
- 2 What does the Osakidetza Children’s Dental Care Program include?
- 3 Excluded services
- 4 How to access this service
- 5 What specific preventative measures, beyond regular checkups, are incorporated into the program to instill good oral hygiene habits in children from an early age?
He Children’s Dental Care Program (PADI) Osakidetza, the free oral care service for boys and girls between 7 and 15 years old in the Basque Country, has expanded its coverage since November to also include children from 0 to 6 years old. In this way, Osakidetza will cover the population from 0 to 15 years old with free oral care. Some 108,000 children will be able to benefit from this expansion, which aims to prevent and treat oral problems from the first months of life.
Differences between PADI and the new attention
Unlike PADI, the new care for children from 0 to 6 years old is provided directly in health centers. Dental care in this age group focuses on prevention and early detection of caries lesionsin addition to offering an educational approach to encourage healthy habits from an early age.
What does the Osakidetza Children’s Dental Care Program include?
The program covers various services focused on prevention and oral health care:
- Caries risk assessment: Periodic review to identify possible problems.
- Oral health recommendations: Advice on healthy diet, brushing techniques and use of fluoride adapted to age.
- Cleaning and preventive treatments: Interventions to avoid or delay the need for fillings.
- Fluorine varnishes: Application to stop or prevent initial caries lesions.
- Teeth sealing: Closure of pits and fissures to protect teeth against cavities.
- Fillings in first permanent teeth: Treatments when necessary, usually around age 6.
- Dental extractions: Removal of temporary parts when essential.
- Dental emergencies: Care in cases previously assessed by the center’s pediatric team.
Excluded services
The program does not cover treatments such as orthodontics, fillings or endodontics in baby teeth.
How to access this service
Families can request an appointment by contacting the referral health center directly or through the assigned pediatrician. Care is provided in the dental consultations of the health centers themselves, ensuring greater proximity and accessibility.
Osakidetza emphasizes that oral hygiene should begin from the first months of life to prevent future problems. A sugar-free diet and the correct use of toothpaste with fluoride are essential to avoid the appearance of cavities. At this stage, early check-ups and treatments help stop initial injuries and ensure better long-term oral health.
Photography courtesy of Depositphotos.
What specific preventative measures, beyond regular checkups, are incorporated into the program to instill good oral hygiene habits in children from an early age?
## Interview: Expanding Dental Care for Children in the Basque Country
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Maria Garcia:** Pediatric Dentist and Coordinator of the Osakidetza Children’s Dental Care Program.
* **Elena Lopez:** Parent of a 3-year-old child who recently benefited from the expanded program.
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the exciting expansion of Osakidetza’s Children’s Dental Care Program, now covering children from ages 0 to 15. We’re joined by Dr. Maria Garcia, the program coordinator, and Elena Lopez, a parent whose child benefitted from this initiative.
**I. The Importance of Early Dental Care (Dr. Garcia)**
* Dr. Garcia, the expansion of PADI to include children as young as zero highlights the significance of early dental care. Could you elaborate on why this age group is so crucial for preventative dental health?
* What are some of the common misconceptions parents might have about their young children’s oral health, and how does this program address those concerns?
**II. The Expanded Program: A Closer Look (Dr. Garcia)**
* Can you walk us through the key services offered under the expanded program for children aged 0 to 6?
* What are the main differences between this new care model and the existing PADI program for older children?
* What are some of the preventative measures that are emphasized during these early visits?
**III. A Parent’s Perspective (Elena Lopez)**
* Elena, what prompted you to seek dental care for your child so early on?
* What was your experience with the program, and how has it impacted your child’s oral health?
* Would you recommend this program to other parents? Why or why not?
**IV. Accessibility and Future Implications (Both Guests)**
* Dr. Garcia, how accessible is this program to all families in the Basque Country? What steps are being taken to ensure equitable access for all socioeconomic groups?
* Looking ahead, what are the long-term benefits you anticipate from this expanded program? How might it impact the overall oral health of the region’s children?
* Elena, what message would you give to other parents who may be hesitant about early dental care for their children?
**Host:** Thank you to Dr. Garcia and Elena Lopez for sharing their insights on this important initiative. The expansion of children’s dental care in the Basque Country is a testament to the understanding that a healthy smile starts early.
